Yesterday, for the first time in 2 years of living in the same apartment, the electricity went out. Just like that.

No overuse of appliances, nothing out of the ordinary. I was making pancakes and had just started a pot of hot, freshly-ground coffee. As soon as that comforting drip began, zip.

Done.

Dark.

I questioned the Universe, and my morning. “Really? Couldn’t we have waited for just one cup? Is this how the day is going to go?”

I called maintenance, checked the other rooms, and discovered that the power in one of the closets still worked.

I realized that I could do one of two things.

I could either stay completely irritated at my breakfast barriers… or I could (aha!) finish brewing the coffee in an unconventional spot.

I quickly plugged the machine into the closet’s socket, and the brew was done in no time. I could’ve also waited for maintenance to arrive, or visited my local coffee shop.

As long as we are open to unconventional answers, we can always find alternatives to give us what we want.

The point really isn’t about how we actually get to the end result. The point is about how we choose to get there.

After all, choice is usually invisible until you remember to look for it.

At the start of every yoga session, I ask my clients to choose an intention. This is a conscious practice of choosing what you want to work on for the hour: kindness, compassion, the breath, etc. Sometimes, I offer an intention. Every time, I give the choice to either take my offering, or think up something from scratch.

Because we always have that option.

We choose our intentions every day, every moment.

We choose how to react when the lights go out. We choose to follow our rigid rules, or to brew our coffee in the closet. We decide to stay in Virabandrasana (Warrior) III, or to take balasana (child’s pose), deepening the practice, letting our choice deepen the practice.

And just as when we are on the mat, we can practice a little less reactivity to stimulus. We can take a deep breath in and out, assess, and mindfully choose which position (or pose!) to take next.

This week, remember your ability to pause…. and then choose how to proceed.

We react constantly instead of act consciously.
Seek to become less reactive, and more active, every day of your life!

If you’re a pregnant yoga mama, you may have heard that adho muka svanasana (downward-facing dog or “DFD”) isn’t safe to do during your third trimester of pregnancy. As with many of these safety guidelines, though, the reasons behind the rule may remain unclear.

Have you ever wondered why DFD may not be your BFF as you approach your birth day?

It’s an important question, especially for any expectant mamas who have a vinyasa flow practice, where downward-facing dog is a regular posture throughout the class. Some people believe inversions (like DFD) will negatively influence your baby’s positioning, which isn’t ideal in the third trimester as you’re preparing for birth. The answer, though, isn’t to eliminate DFD totally.

Instead, it’s one we get a lot in yoga: listen to your body.

I know, I know. By your third trimester, your body is probably saying a lot of things to you by now. But here’s why it’s really important to hear me (and your bod) out:

Prenatal yoga practice, like your pregnancy, is an evolving disclipline. There’s confusion and controversy in the industry around what is appropriate and what isn’t for women during their babies’ different developmental stages.

It’s actually a bit like birth and birth preparation itself: though there are some agreed-upon guidelines (like, for instance, no deep twisting that stresses the uterus), there’s just not one-size-fits-all answer because your body is unique (and fabulous, by the way — just look at what it’s creating!). Some women are crazy for triangle pose during their third trimester. Others find that it puts too much pressure on their bellies and pelvic area.

We try, we observe, we adjust.

So, what’s the general rule for most mamas?

In my work, I usually teach downward-facing dog throughout the entire pregnancy. Not only do some moms find that it gives them a much-needed release from lower back and belly tension, but inverted poses like DFD (or even “butt up” child’s pose) can actually help your baby turn into optimal position.

We modify the posture during the third trimester, though, usually holding it for fewer breaths than usual. We use it sparingly, if at all, in cases of bad reflux, heartburn or sinus-related breathing issues, which can all be aggravated. Further, we avoid DFD entirely in the case of a turnaround breech. If your baby has been breech and turned, (i) congrats! and (ii) sub simple child’s pose for DFD instead, with wide knees. We don’t want to encourage more acrobatics once the mission’s been accomplished!

If you’re not in the breech bucket, though, gentle inversions can actually help increase optimal positioning because they open the lower uterus and create space for your little one’s head. If DFD is relaxing for you and it helps relieve more stress than it causes, keep it in your asana (pose) rotation. If it’s uncomfortably challenging (e.g., strained hamstrings, wobbling, exhausted arms, etc), don’t hesitate to modify your pose.**

In the end, your yoga practice mirrors your mommyhood:intuition and flexibility lead the way.

Get used to noticing how your body feels, gather information from your resources, and make the appropriate adjustments that work for your body and spirit.

Those are a few rules that’ll get you maximum effect from all of your poses with minimal drama.

** Props help create awesome modifications for many poses, and downward-facing dog is no exception (in fact, I often use them in my own personal practice). Try (1) using a step-stool or low chair for the forearms with lower body in normal position, (2) bending the knees and propping the shins up on a sofa, with the forearms on the ground supporting the upper body weight, or (3) if you don’t have any props handy, try “L-shaped” downward dog.

For L-DFD, place your hands on a wall out in front of you and walking your feet back so that your body creates an “L” shape. Gently contract your baby in towards your spine, turn the insides of your elbows toward the ceiling as your straighten your arms, lengthen through your tailbone and head. Breathe deeply.

Please note that this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. If you practice yoga throughout your pregnancy, it is recommended that you work with a qualified and certified prenatal yoga teacher, and that you consult your health professionals for guidance on what’s best for you and your baby.

Less fatigue (maybe), more excited phone calls and Facebook posts (perhaps), no more nausea (ideally), additional energy (I hope?)… you might even think about having sex again.

Someday.

Even if you’re not feeling completely relieved by now, the “second third” section of pregnancy is, indeed, noted as the most blissful of all three — with most women reporting less discomfort, a renewed sense of well-being and an overall feeling of normalcy compared to the first 3 months.

If that’s not you…first, hugs. Then, warmest e-wishes for a more wonderful time soon. Finally, I encourage you to enjoy a super-restorative yoga practice until it passes.

But if the description above is you, WOO!

Keep reading!

It’s time, to get back into the exercise swing of things and resume that more physical part of your prenatal yoga practice!

When you’re practicing in your second trimester, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Your growing belly will start to add weight to the front of your body, potentially making balancing more difficult and straining your lower back. Twisting is still of concern. Relaxin is in your bloodstream, full-force, making your joints more susceptible to overstretching.

One of the primary points to remember, though, is to avoid laying flat on your belly.

During the first trimester, laying on your stomach — whether sleeping or in cobra pose — isn’t much of a concern for yoga mamas. As your baby grows, though, it’s important refrain from putting unnecessary weight and pressure on the little bean. And don’t even think about throwing in a backbend or two (say, bow pose), as you’d be adding force, too.

If you’re in a yoga class that is incorporating a lot of “adult tummy time,” be sure to tell your instructor that you’re pregnant and ask if (s) is famliar with any appropriate modifications. If you need to pull some from your own yoga pants pocket, though, here are a few substitutions:

Instead of traditional chid’s pose, take wide-knee child’s pose, which is just as easy as it sounds. Float the big toes together, separate the knees apart towards the sides of your mat to make room for your baby, and gently float your torso to the floor, extending your arms out in front of you as usual.

Skip sphinx pose, bow pose, locust pose or any other posture that involves tummy time. Instead, during that time in the class, try seated heart openers. Sit in a seated position with comfortably crossed legs and a tall spine, and clasp your hands behind your back (if they don’t clasp, no prob — just grab opposite elbows). Roll your shoulders gently up and down a few times, soften your ribcage in, and lift your heart to get a backbend. This will help you achieve benefits of the other poses without stressing out your stomach.

Keep these ideas in mind, and you’ll be on your way to an active and awesome second trimester with your little one!

Please note that this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. If you practice yoga throughout your pregnancy, it is recommended that you work with a qualified and certified prenatal yoga teacher. Always consult your health professionals for guidance on what’s best for you and your baby.

Your body might feel different, but it doesn’t yet appear to be different. Instead of looking like there’s a baby in there, it really just looks like you ate a big burrito.

People are puzzled: pregnant or just pudgy?

In fact, aside from the “morning” sickness, sore breasts and hormonal hurricanes, let’s just call it as we see it, pumpkin — you don’t even look pregnant to yourself.

You may still wear the same clothes and still sleep on your belly. You may be the mama who sheepishly says “I’m 10 weeks along” instead of the one who beams while announcing that she’s practically waddling into the delivery room. You may even still be taking your regular yoga class… but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to modify it a bit.

It’s important to remember that even if you don’t look or feel pregnant, you are. Your body, and your baby’s body, needs a little extra TLC.

There are a number of yoga tricks for each trimester, but my fave for the first 12 weeks is the “bra strap rule,” a super-simply, highly-effective guideline for torso twisting during pregnancy.

In non-pregnant yoga practice, deep twists are often encouraged to “wring out” the spine, “squeeze” the organs and create space in the trunk and torso. In prenatal yoga practice, though, such movement can stress the uterus where your baby is growing (which is why some prenatal yoga teachers eliminate twisting entirely). Problem is, many mamas crave twisting to help alleviate the aching back-collapsed chest-tired neck-itis that ails.

The bra strap rule is your middle-ground solution to prenatal spinal rotation, and it has three parts:

Instead of playing a full-on game of twister with yourself, simply keep your baby facing the same direction as your pelvis.

Then, gently twist your chest, shoulders and neck — the part of the torso above the bra strap line — for a subtle, but noticeable, opening of your upper body. Slowly build up to 25% of your normal rotation.

As always, once you’re there, be sure to breathe deeply, consciously, deliciously.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, right?

It isn’t just for “yoga mamas,” either — any expecting mom can use this for twisty motions, like sitting in the driver’s seat and turning to reach something (or, ahem, someone) in the backseat.

Also, note that these are a few guidelines to help you get in to a habit that encourages optimal health. If you’re in your first trimester and you have already been a little bendy with your belly, no freak out required — simply start being mindful about moving more carefully. This is especially true early on, as your little one is really, really, REALLY little and not likely to be affected by your normal movements.

As your prenatal practice progresses and your baby bump starts to grow right under your nose, of course, you’re more likely to remember to turn without totally twisting your uterus. Until then, let the bra strap rule be your reminder that your oven’s turned on, baking and requires a watchful eye.

For more on prenatal yoga info, also check out Deb’s Blog, written by the woman who first introduced me to prenatal yoga bra straps.

Please note that this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. If you practice yoga throughout your pregnancy, it is recommended that you work with a qualified and certified prenatal yoga teacher. Always consult your health professionals for guidance on what’s best for you and your baby.

This week, I’m hanging out with fellow yoga biz teachers on the Yoga Teacher Blog Tour, a 30-day e-extravaganza that dishes up daily, free business tips for private yoga instructors. (If you missed yesterday’s pose, head over to hear Betsy Rippentrop, Dr. Yoga Momma, discuss “5 Tips Every Yoga Teacher Needs to Know” from her unique perspective as a psychologist and yoga teacher, and stay tuned tomorrow to check out Julian Walker of YogaTeacherGradSchool.com!)

Accordingly, this love note is designed for all of you private yoga teacher readers… but even if you’ve never taught or practiced yoga, it’s a message we can all relate to!

For most people, marketing feels intimidating, inauthentic, or otherwise uncomfortable. But, as the Universe would have it, it’s also one of the most crucial components of successful businesses.

And it’s not just in the business world, either. For instance, have you ever…

needed to attend a gathering or event, but really wanted to cancel because you didn’t want to talk to other people?

been stuck in an elevator with someone, engaging in awkward conversation?

volunteered for a charity fundraising effort, but struggled with how to ask for donations?

Yep, those are all “marketing” issues. Welcome.

Personally, I used to hate marketing. But then I completely reframed my concept of what marketing is.

The change was massive in impact, but required just 3 simple mindset shifts that are now woven deeply into the Business Primer curriculum.

Mindset Shift No. 1. Networking vs. Connecting

Does anyone really get excited about attending “networking” events? Exactly. Instead, think of your next networking gig simply as a chance to CONNECTwith others.

Every networking event is a prime opportunity to share your talent, your gift, your light with other like-minded individuals who happen to be in the same corner of the world, at the same time as you!

For you private yoga teachers, for instance, imagine that everyone you meet is already your newest client, and (s)he’s sitting on the mat, waiting for session to begin. Intend to give at a networking gathering, in the same way you intend to give at the beginning of a class, and notice how the conversation changes.

Mindset Shift No. 2. The Elevator vs. Elevate Them

Back in my last life when I was a lawyer, I was told over and over again about the importance of having an “elevator speech” — the 30-second pitch that you can make to a potential client or other connection. Its purpose is to give the other person an understanding of not only what you do, but how they might use or refer your business.

Suffice it to say, I avoided a lot of elevators. I got the point, but I hated the concept. Now, one of my all-time favorite treats to teach is how to ditch the “elevator speech.” Instead, I suggest creating an “ELEVATE THEM” speech.

The idea here is that, while it’s important for us to quickly and effectively discuss what we do to the outside world, it can often come across as a pitch… which often feels icky, especially when you’re a wellness worker.

(Sidebar: The Ick is sticky stuff. if you bring it to an interaction, you’ll probably leave with it, too.)

To avoid feeling icky and pitch-y, remember that the intention behind an elevator speech is you — what you do, what you offer, what you have going on — but the intention behind an elevate them speech is, well, right there in the phrasing. What do you do… for them? What do you offer… for them? How do you support? How do you share?

Even if you say the same elevator-esque words, honestly, just being mindful about this intention can dramatically change the tone of any conversation, but especially with your private clients. Think about it. Then, speak about it.

Mindset Shift No. 3. Selling vs. Serving

Another mind-altering marketing trick is to rethink your concept of sales, and replace it instead with SERVICE.

Practically speaking, every time you’re engaging with a potential new client (or friend!), you are probably trying to close “a sale”. But often when we think about “selling” our services or selves, The Ick stops us cold.

So, let’s stop that.

Instead of simply focusing on the sale, remember that you’re here toserve. Every time you meet a future client, every time you complete an initial consultation, every time you tell anyone about your offerings, you’re experiencing an opportunity to serve your surrounding community.

As a private yoga teacher (or an attorney, or a consultant, or anyone else who doesn’t sell products), just recall that what you do sell: services. Remember the root word in what you do, and you’ll transform into a more confident deal closer.

So, let’s go! This week, how can you shift your mindset while “marketing?” Whether you’re working on an aspect of your business — or on this week’s appointments that involve others — how might you bring a different energy to those interactions (and, hence, encourage a different experience of them)?

To master your “marketing,” shift your mindset!

Good luck connecting, elevating and serving your people, people.

]]>http://highergroundyoga.com/hate-networking-youll-love-this-private-yoga-teachers/feed/0How to Become an Advanced Yogi in Just One Stephttp://highergroundyoga.com/how-to-become-an-advanced-yogi-in-just-one-step/
http://highergroundyoga.com/how-to-become-an-advanced-yogi-in-just-one-step/#commentsSun, 01 Jun 2014 14:46:12 +0000http://highergroundyoga.com/?p=6409

One afternoon a couple of years ago, I walked into a tiny yoga studio for class. Everything was pretty chill: soft music played, light streamed in through the windows, yogis quietly shuffled into their chosen spots, mats neatly placed.

But after I put my own mat down and went to select some props from the borrowing shelves, I heard something I’ll never forget.

As I walked back to my space, I set down my 2 blocks, a blanket, a strap and a bolster. That’s what I heard a girl next to me whisper to her friend.

“You know, they really shouldn’t let beginners in this class.”

Really?

There are a lot of ways in which that comment is out of alignment with traditional principals (like ahimsa). But, for you and me, let’s just focus on one:

The proper use of props is actually a ridiculously effective andexperienced way to deepen your practice.

In fact, it’s often the more advanced yoga practitioner who has the confidence, wisdom and patience to use them, because they understand that the secret to truly relaxing is feeling supported.

Think about it. If you’re in deep pose that asks you to touch the floor in some way (e.g., your hips or chest in pigeon, your lower hand in triangle pose, etc.) and your muscles are straining, the body stays tight because it’s sending messages to the brain that its in danger. When you strategically place props under you, though, the brain registers that “hey, the floor isn’t so far away. I can release here.” And so it is.

Not only is there nothing wrong with supporting yourself, there’s everything right about doing so!

In this week’s free tips, then, I’m giving you 3 ways that you can use physical props to support your body in during yoga, as well as 3 yoga-inspired ways to physically support yourself in everyday life.

Standing poses with bends… Use blocks under your hands when they don’t reach the floor. E.g., in forward fold, gently bend your knees and place your hands on blocks, instead of straining to touch your toes!

Seated poses… use blankets for your bum. E.g., in easy seat, place a folded blanket underneath the edge of your seat (close to your tailbone), to support your lower back and overall spinal alignment.

Chest opening stretches… use a strap when your hands don’t touch. E.g., instead of reverse prayer, simply bring your hands behind you, and connect them with a strap as you roll your shoulders back and breathe.

In your life, try this:

While commuting… fold a blanket or towel in a rectangular shape, and place it behind your upper back as you drive to support your spine, shoulders and chest.

At your desk… place blocks (or books!) under your feet to create a 90-degree angle in your legs while sitting, to support the lower body.

While sleeping on your side… use a firm pillow between gently bent knees and the ankles to encourage less constriction in the hips.

Challenge yourself by choosing 1 (or more) of these super, simple strategies. Use consistently for 7 days. Notice how your ability to relax shifts when you invite in some help from the physical tools around you.

And if you need a reminder of the infinite support that’s always around you, remember the Buddha’s famous words:

P.S. A lot is changing over here at Ritual Care, and one difference is that all of my Higher Ground Yoga private clients must have an HGY Home Practice Kit (or something similar), a collection of my favorite props for home practice. I’ll be sharing what’s in it in an upcoming LoveNote, so stay tuned! In the meanwhile, I’d love to hear what you love using at home. Let me know in the comments below!

Our cat, Addison, is the queen of doing nothing. Such a great reminder!

How are you feeling? How was your weekend? What’d ya’ do?

Me?

I’m feeling amazing, weekend was great and, actually, I did nothing.

I mean, I did some things… like spend some truly sacred time with one of my meditation teachers,Karen Maezen Miller, and my lovely DC sangha (Don’t know what a sangha is? Don’t worry. More on this coming soon).

But most of what we did together was simple, blissful nothing.

We sat in total stillness, in meditation, breathing plainly and without instruction. We practiced how to just be there.

Sitting isn’t always comfortable. After a while, for instance, my right leg always falls asleep. And my mind usually races for a good mile or so before it slows down to a sustainable pace.

But that’s the point of practicing how to be still, how to do nothing, when everything is calling your name. Whether it’s a numb leg or a cell phone, a spinning psyche or a crying child, or a yoga pose we think we can’t hold for one second more (until we do).

Our resting place is in the nothingness of not having to react to the constant stimulation that surrounds us.
(tweet)

Try it today, in whatever way stillness works for your life. (This week’s exclusive email has more free tips for readers, specifically on how to do just that).

Trust that the messages you read will come to you at the right time, that you’ll learn everything you’re supposed to… especially if you create some space in your world by doing nothing.

Doesn’t that feel better?

P.S. This week I’m digging into Maezen’s newest book, Paradise in Plain Sight, as well as continuing The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary, and Success Through Stillness by Russell Simmons (and if you’re an entrepreneur, check out the 3 ways he says meditation will make you more successful here). Each read inspires us to lessen our strenuous efforts and increase our awareness of what’s around us. Highly recommended!

]]>http://highergroundyoga.com/do-nothing/feed/0What Do These 3 Have In Common?http://highergroundyoga.com/what-do-these-3-have-in-common/
http://highergroundyoga.com/what-do-these-3-have-in-common/#respondMon, 07 Apr 2014 00:36:00 +0000http://highergroundyoga.com/?p=6428

The weather here in Washington, DC on Sunday was warm, sunny and overall pretty outstanding.

So, what do these 3 things have in common?

And, more importantly, what do they have to do with this week’s free wellness tips?

The answer is easy: simplicity.

I didn’t know anything about Reiki a month ago (my only interaction had been of the “Reiki flakey” variety… which is SO not my game). One of the 1,000 things I learned from my teacher’s groundbreaking work, though — particularly her success in Beth Israel Medical Center and other hospitals — was that it is arguably the simplest form of healing I’ve ever seen.

When I started researching and using Pangea Organics products, I adored the simplicity in their ingredients. Compared to other skin care that’s sat on my bathroom shelves, I can pronounce and recognize what I’m putting onto (and hence, into) my body.

Yesterday, it was so beautiful and bright outside, which was warmly welcomed (no pun intended) by Washingtonians. People strolled happily on sidewalks, pups played in parks, couples sat on restaurant rooftops and terraces, enjoying aperitifs and early dinners. All from one cause: the simple sun.

How can you KISS (keep it super-simple) today?

Limit the number of poses in your yoga practice?

Cut out processed foods and drinks for a while?

Switch your complicated workout for a walk outside in nature?

Use only one web browser window (and tab) at once?

Finally clean out your closets and donate those clothes you haven’t worn in over a year?

Choose to convert the complicated by trying one of these tips for the week, or create your own unique way to demystify your daily tasks.

Invite more simplicity into your life, and
you create more space to live.(tweet)

]]>http://highergroundyoga.com/what-do-these-3-have-in-common/feed/0How to Get World Peace This Weekhttp://highergroundyoga.com/practical-yoga-tip-world-peace/
http://highergroundyoga.com/practical-yoga-tip-world-peace/#respondMon, 24 Mar 2014 00:02:35 +0000http://highergroundyoga.com/?p=6381

Confession: years ago, I used to watch pageants. Like, Miss America pageants.

Bigger confession: When I was a kid, I actually participated in pageants. Like, baton-twirling-for-talent sort of events.

Not kidding.

And though both of those things are years in my past, there’s one thing I always remembered about watching pageant contestants on TV… or, rather, one thing I always remembered hearing.

Whenever Miss Wherever was asked about what she wanted, or wished for, or hoped for more than anything, she would often say “world peace.”

In theory, I agree 100%. But in reality, HOW? Making a meaningful dent in the world peace movement can feel a little overwhelming.

Your yoga can give you a pretty cool, practical reminder of how to do this, though. One of the concepts that yogis practice is called “ahimsa,” often translated loosely to mean “nonviolence.”

Practicing ahimsa in everyday life is a fabulously easy, effective and feel-amazing way to carry yoga off of your mat and into your world.

Here are a few, super-simple techniques to try:

Give yourself an extra 10 minutes for your commute. Not only will this bring some luscious space into your own schedule, but it’ll also allow you to treat other drivers and pedestrians more patiently.

Try a vegetarian or vegan for a day, a week, a month, a lifetime. Having a plant-based diet (whether you eat meat from time to time or not) is a simple change that can save lots of animal lives!

Give a stranger a kind compliment. Saying something truly kind is a gorgeous way to surprise someone and put some pep in their step. It also really extends genuine kindness from your heart to theirs.

This week, practice ahimsa in any way that feels good to you. I’d love to hear what you come up with, so report back!

I haven’t talked about it much, that first time I stepped into a yoga studio. It was not only pivotal in my yoga practice, but in my life… and not for the reasons you might think.

That’s because I took my first studio yoga class when I was totally devastated.

I had been practicing on my own for years (my very first “class” was in my tiny one-room apartment, with a cassette tape — yes, a cassette tape). But, it took me a long time to get to a yoga studio. I’m not sure why.

As often happens in life, though, when the moment finally came, it was right on time.

I was a first-year business lawyer. I was tired, and confused, and stressed. I was over-caffeinated. And, most of all, I was completely, utterly heartbroken, working my way out of a dissolved relationship.

This particular evening was especially painful. I’d had a hard conversation with my ex, and I was crying. In my office. (Sidebar: One of my mottos at the time was “there’s no crying in corporate,” so this was serious business).

It was 5:30 pm. Way too early to leave without feeling like I was sneaking out… but I did anyway.

In a total gut decision, I grabbed my work bag, and got myself to a nearby local yoga studio as fast as I could.

I had no yoga clothes, I had no mat. It didn’t matter.

When I arrived, the teacher, Kyra, opened the door. She took one look at my tired, tear-streaked self, standing there in the dimly-lit stairwell, smiled calmly, and softly said something that I’ll never forget:

“You’re in the right place.”

I came in, bought a tank top, rented a mat. I did a little vinyasa. I did a lot of child’s pose. I sat quietly, crying, letting my emotions rise and rest.

In that moment, I stopped trying so hard, and surrendered instead.

I gave myself a soft place to fall.

My mat is still that place for me. And getting on it always helps me get back to myself.

What about you? How do you care for yourself when you’re heartbroken, disappointed, or stressed?

When you feel challenged, what is your soft place to fall? What is YOUR “yoga”?